The ebola virus

The Ebola virus causes an acute, serious illness which is often fatal if untreated. Ebola virus disease (EVD) first appeared in 1976 in 2 simultaneous outbreaks, one in Nzara, Sudan, and the other in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. The latter occurred in a village near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name.

how do we stop the spread ebola

Until there is a medical cure for those infected with the Ebola Virus and a vaccine to protect those in the infected areas, there are three steps we can take to stop the spread of this deadly disease .

1.

Trained health care workers, to attend to those who are sick, and try to help them recover

2.

Track,monitor and isolate anyone who has come into contact with someone infected with Ebola.

3.

Ensure that there are no new infections.

Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Raising awareness of risk factors for Ebola infection and protective measures that individuals can take is an effective way to reduce human transmission. Risk reduction messaging should focus on several factors:

DO NOT touch or consume bush meat or animals know to carry the virus.

AVOID direct contact with people who are infected or have symptoms of the Ebola virus.

DO NOT handle any items used in the treatment of infected people.

DO NOT come in to contact with blood or other bodly fluids from those who are infected.

AVOID direct contact with anyone who has died from being infected with the Ebola virus.

Key Facts

40-50%

2-21

days is the time period for the symptoms to appear when infected. 8-10 days is the average time

NO

specific treatment for the disease; efforts to help those infected include oral re-hydration therapy or intravenous fluids

50%

of the cases report manifestation of maculopapular rash on the skin

50-90%

of people infected with the virus die

5

different test can help identify Ebola infections

how can you help fight ebola

As citizens of the world we all have a responsibility to each other to ensure this deadly virus does not become a global epedemic, Making sure you inform yourself and others with the right information is keep to stop this happening.

BE INFORMED

Arm yourself with information, knowledge is protection. By learning everything there is to know about Ebola, you can protect yourself and others. Where ever you are in the world you should make it your mission to inform everyone in your family about it.

SHARE

If you have access to the internet you have access to information and a wide audience. Share what you know about Ebola across your social media platforms to help bring awareness to the problem, the more people know about Ebola the more they can do to help.

DONATE

If we all donate what ever we can it will go a long way in providing vital equipment needed for the fight against Ebola. You can donate to the Africa Against Ebola campaign via SMS to STOPEBOLA to 7979 or to make online donations Click Here